Discover Jakubov U Moravských Budějovic

Jakubov Among Ponds, Cultural Monuments, and Straw Traditions

Jakubov U Moravských Budějovic combines a distinctive landscape with an unusually rich local history. This creates a destination where ponds, sacred buildings, historical traces, and living traditions exist side by side. Particularly characteristic is the connection between the water landscape and straw traditions: every year, fairytale-like straw figures are put up in Jakubov; life-sized hay nativity scenes are also created during Advent.

Church and Protected Heritage of the Village

On a hill east of Jakubov stands the Late Romanesque Church of Saint James the Greater, also known as Saint James the Elder. It is not only the church building itself that is protected: the associated stairs and enclosure are protected as well. The church therefore forms a clearly defined historical ensemble whose individual components should be viewed together.

Another protected cultural monument is the statue of Saint Thecla. It stands opposite the former inn, on the other side of the road. The construction of the former inn was connected with the establishment of the route between Prague and Vienna via Jihlava and Znojmo. Thus, sacred art, local history, and the history of an important route meet at this site, without reducing Jakubov to just one individual attraction.

Ponds and the History of the Jakubovská Riviera

Northeast of the village, near Jakubov, lie the two ponds Vidlák and Oráč. Vidlák has a particular historical significance: it was one of the four ponds that already belonged to the market town of Jakubov in the Middle Ages. Those interested in the development of the village will therefore find here not only a landscape feature, but also a connection to Jakubov’s medieval history.

The Jakubovská Riviera was established near Jakubov at Vidlák Pond in 1931, at that time under the name “Plovárna Národní jednoty.” It later became known as the Jakubovská Riviera. Swimming courses were also held here. The historical development of the site adds another facet to the history of the ponds: in Jakubov, water was not only part of the landscape but was also connected with community activities.

Straw Figures as a Recurring Local Feature

In September 2005, a group of local enthusiasts created the first “Slamáky” straw figures on international road I/38. This is particularly interesting for your travel planning if, in addition to historical buildings, you would like to discover a local tradition whose form changes throughout the year.

Historical Traces of the Castle and Mill

Jakubov Castle is first mentioned by name in 1354. However, the site of the former castle is now completely built over with detached houses. The historical name therefore refers to the village’s past, not to a castle complex preserved today.

The Jakubovský mlýn has also retained only part of its original substance. In particular, it was converted into workshops for an agricultural cooperative in the mid-20th century. This very change makes the mill an example of how historical buildings can be transformed through later uses. Together with the castle first mentioned in 1354, the church, and the protected monuments, it contributes to a village setting in which different layers of history remain legible side by side.

Further Places to Help You Find Your Way

If you would like to continue your search in the same area, here are some further destinations: Myslibořice, Radošov, Sudice, Kozlany, Komárovice, Kouty, Benetice and Lesní Jakubov.

For the broader travel overview: Třebíč District.